Pedobarography : a pilot study among Malaysian population in the district of Kuantan, Pahang

Abstract

The foot plantar pressure is the pressure field that acts between the foot and the support surface during everyday locomotor activities. The aim of this study was to identify the normal values and distribution of plantar foot pressure among the Malaysia population in the district of Kuantan, Pahang. A total of 600 subjects participated in this study in which the data collection was done from January 2018 to December 2018. The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 50 years old. This study did not include subjects with reported history of lower limb or spine deformity, trauma, or surgery. Those with known diabetes mellitus and ongoing musculoskeletal pain of the trunk or lower limb were also excluded from the study. The associations between categorical variables, i.e. peak pressure area and demographic factors (gender, ethnicity, and BMI) were analyzed using Pearson Chi Square analysis, while the associations between continuous variables, i.e. the mean values of peak foot pressure and categorical demographic variables were analyzed using Independent t-test and One-Way ANOVA. This cohort of subjects comprised of three ethnic groups, namely Malay (66%), Chinese (22.7%), and Indian (11.3%). Majority of the subjects were female (52.3%). The average of peak foot pressure was found to be 508.98±164.06kPa and the highest prevalence peak pressure area was presented at the 1T area (38.5%), followed by 2MH (31.5%) and 3MH (15%). Majority of the subjects were under normal range of BMI (54.7%). The study also showed a significant correlation and association between both right and left peak foot pressure. In terms of demographic factors, the Pearson Chi Square test revealed that gender did not show any significant association (p-value=0.617) with peak pressure area compared to the other demographic characteristics. While ethnicity indicated a significant association with peak pressure area, no significant ethnic-related difference was noted in the mean values of peak foot pressure. On the other hand, BMI variables indicated significant association with peak pressure area, and also in the mean comparison of peak pressure score. A further post-hoc analysis for BMI revealed that the peak foot pressure score of the underweight group was significantly different from the overweight and obese groups. As implications, findings obtained from this study have provided relevant inputs in addressing the study objectives, particularly regarding the normal values, distribution of plantar foot pressure and the associating demographic factors among the Malaysian population.